Valve latch



Jan. 16, 1940- J. M. v. FICKLIN VALVE LATCH FicZ Z- Patented Jan. 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE" VALVE LATCH John M. V. Ficklin, Washington, D. C. Application October 24, 1939, Serial No. 301,064

2 Claims. (01. 74-504) looking or holding position as the valve for a gas line is moved into closed position.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved valve latch whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will here- I inafter be definitely claimed.

' the stem 7.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein- Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a portionof a gas stove with my improved latch applied thereto, said latch having portions indicated by broken lines;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure l with the latch indicated in released position;

Figure 3 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 33 of Figure l;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the latch in released position.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawing, l denotes the front wall of a gas stove through which is directed a lead 2 for a burner, said lead 2 being also in communication with the manifold line 3 underlying in a conventional manner the outstanding ledge l carried by the wall I. The outer marginal portion of this ledge 4 is provided with the usual depending skirt for a wall 5.

Flow of gas from the manifold 3 and through the lead? is under control of the usual valve structure generally indicated at 6, and wherein the valve member (not shown) is operated by The stem 1, as herein disclosed, is freely directed out and beyond the skirt or wall 5 and its extended portion carries the usual operating member 8.

The stem 1 inwardly of but immediately adjacent to the skirt or wall 5 is provided there'- across with the grooves 9 providing the straight and substantially parallel facets a.

The improved latch L, as herein disclosed, comprises a substantially rectangular plate of desired dimensions and which overlies the inner face of the skirt or wall 5. A lower corner portion of this latch L is pivotally connected, as at H, with the skirt or wall 5 .at a point below and to one side of the stem 1. This arrangement of the latch L provides an overbalanced mounting whereby the latch L swings downwardly by gravity upon its pivotal mounting II.

The latch plate L is provided in its central portion with an opening l2 of a diameter to freely receive the stem I when the latch plate L is swung upwardly so that the stem l is free to rotate to open the valve structure 6 for the flow of gas therethrough.

The plate L is also provided with a recess or notch M in communication with the upper portion of the opening l2'and extending laterally. therefrom and on such an angle to allow the side marginal portions of the latch plate L to be received within the grooves 9 of the stem 1 as the stem 1 is turned to close the valve structure. This interlocking of the latch plate L will be automatically accomplished due to the gravital movement of the latch plate L and the coaction of the side marginaledges of the notch or recess M with the facets a, will provide effective means for holding the stem 1 against opening turning movement until after the latch plate L has been lifted or raised into open position.

The free lower corner of the latch plate L carries an arm 15 having an outer angular portion [6 extending out through a suitably positioned opening I! provided in the Wall or skirt 5 below and to one side of the stem 1. The extended extremity of this portion I6 carries an enlargement or head it which may bereadily contacted by the finger of the hand for lifting the latch plate L to its raised or released position.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a valve latch constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. In combination with a rotary operating stem for a valve, said stem having a chordal facet, a latch plate pivotally supported adjacent to the stem, said plate having an opening therethrough, and a recess in communication with the opening, the pivotal mounting for the plate being below the stem, said pivotal mounting being also mounted to overbalance the plate whereby the plate swings downwardly by gravity, the stem being freely disposed through the opening when the plate is raised and the facet being received within the notch when the plate is down to hold the stem against rotation.

2. In combination with a rotary operating stem for a valve, said stem having a chordal facet, a latch plate pivotaily supported adjacent to the stem, said plate having an opening therethrough, a recess in communication with the opening, the pivotal mounting for the plate being below the stem, said pivotal mounting being so mounted to overbalance the plate whereby the plate swings downwardly by gravity, the stem being freely disposed through the opening when the plate is raised and the facet being received within the notch when the plate is down to hold the stem against rotation, and means for lifting the plate to free the stem from within the notch.

JOHN M. V. FICKLIN. 

